The unseasonably hot Summer is providing an ongoing record heat wave with temperatures scorching near and above 100 degrees. Instead of sweltering away, maybe it’s time to cool down. Imagine ~ artic air, blizzards, surrounded in a room of ice complete with furniture made of ice; bundled like an Eskimo and sipping an ice-cold cocktail - no ice required because even your glass is made of ice. Cold enough for you? Then come tour these amazing and creative Ice Bars and accommodations to put a chill back in your day.First stop, where else but the city that has every imaginable finding ~ Las Vegas, Nevada. Visit Minus5 Ice Bar at the Mandalay Bay Hotel. Hence being its name, the frosty temperature is minus five degrees. Here you will be decked out in Eskimo-like ice gear to keep warm and explore the wonderland of intricate ice sculptures that change every 6 - 8 weeks, while relaxing on ice couches that are covered in deer skin and sipping your premium vodka out of, of course, custom designed ice glasses. To upgrade your experience, be sure to take a look at their packages including the faux fur coat and Russian hat (which you get to keep). Bonus!!!

Now to the sunshine state, Orlando, Florida. Icebar Orlando is the first largest ice bar in America with over 50 tons of ice making this a winter wonderland one cool place of 27 degrees in a state of warmth. Take an expedition to the North while keeping warm with your thermal cape and gloves during this limited 45 minutes adventure.

Continue traveling the world with more of these “chilling adventures”. Travel to Dubai and visit the Chill Out Café with their sub-zero temperatures and an interesting combination of ice, glass and steel complete with unique lighting and architecture.

With Winters being so cold in Russia, St. Petersburg decided to create an Ice Bar so no wasted heating was necessary. This ice bar is found on a small street right behind the Kazan Cathedral.

Still to hot for you? Off to XtraCold Amsterdam in Centre of Amsterdam, Amstel. This Ice Bar consists of two parts. You are first introduced to a “cool” lounge where you are able to enjoy your food and drinks and then you will be able to venture further to the Ice Bar where you will receive special clothing to keep you warm in the -10 degree Celsius bar. Enjoy a drink and journey over icebergs and steep cliffs of a fantasy landscape with a 20 minute 3D movie - including a wind turbine to make the scene complete.

Or, what about a blizzard to cool you down? The Ice Lounge in the heart of Southbank, Australia will make you feel like you’ve entered an Antarctic winter for a limited 30 minutes. Enjoy state-of-the-art lighting, exquisite carved sculptures while wrapped in warmth in the - 10 degree Celsius Ice Bar.

Minus 5 is another ice bar located in Queenstown, New Zealand. Everything is carved purely of ice but don’t worry about getting a chill because, once again, you’ll be provided with jackets, gloves and even warm footwear.

Ready for a real adventure? Climb aboard the Norwegian Epic, Norwegians Cruise Line’s newest, largest and most innovative ship. Sail away to the Caribbean and Europe with of course, a visit to the coolest bar at sea, the Svedka Ice Bar that was inspired by the original ice hotels in Scandinavia. In an exclusive partnership with SVEDKA vodka and Inniskillin ice wine, this ice bar gives the ultimate chill with the temperature not rising above 17 degrees Fahrenheit and LED lighting stimulating the Northern Lights while sipping in hooded coats and gloves surrounded by ice and carved statues of course.

Hate to return to the heat, then take your visit up, or down a notch, and visit these Ice Bars while staying in their ice accommodations.The Ice Hotel in Sweden is located in the village of Jukkasjarvi and offers several room accommodations. Your cold rooms will range in temperature from -5 degrees Celsius to -8 degrees Celsius with special beds made of snow and ice with reindeer skins and thermal sleeping bags for your comfort. After a good nights sleep, you’ll be awakened in the morning with a cup of hot lingonberry juice at your bedside. Venture to their Icebar Jukkasjarvi where you can dance on a floor of snow and drink champagne and other cocktails from glasses of ice. Don’t worry about getting too cold, your visit is limited to 40 minutes.

Still need more? Who would’ve ever thought Paris would be the host of an Ice Bar? Well, maybe it’s time you visit The Kube Hotel (also known as Kube Rooms) in Paris, France. A trendy and hip boutique styled hotel consisting of 31 rooms and 10 suites that is a mix of retro and modern, complete with splashes of hot pink, glowing glass cubes and fake fur. Making this boutique even more special is their urban ice bar, The Ice Kube. A cover charge, winter parka and gloves included along with unlimited vodka for 30 minutes. Make sure you make reservations for this trendy bar only allows 20 guests at a time. This could just be the topping of a night in Paris!

This is only the tip of the iceberg and hopefully it’s cooled you off a bit during our over-the-top warm weather. So, why not have a well deserved over-the-top vacation too?

Being a tourist and roaming foreign streets, visiting markets and taking in the sights is a wonderful way to relax on vacation. We all know too well the many scams that are already out there, but the professional scammers seem to be getting even more crafty. On a recent trip to a large city, our daughter encountered yet another breed. Far from the street pickpockets, drivers quoting you a price and then raising the price when at your destination who will then not release you luggage from the trunk until you pay, or even the scammers who will place items on you and demand payment because it is now in your possession. Hers was an encounter via telephone. Staying in a well known popular hotel, she received a call from the front desk the morning following her check-in. It was stated that “Front Desk” was calling and that their computers system had gone down and could she verify her information. Unfortunately, she did and continued on her ventures. Luckily her banking institute caught the fraudulent action and placed a call to her notifying her that her card had been compromised. It was not the “Front Desk” that placed the call, but an out of state scammer who them proceeded to use her card. Hind sight - take the time and go down and personally speak to the front desk. Being on an out-of-state vacation herself, she was able to go to her banking institute and discuss the situation. Again, unfortunately being out of state, they were not able to issue her a temporary card and needed to close her account. Lesson learned? Yes! If you are traveling to a foreign country, remember to call you banking institute and your credit cards. Some companies do not allow international card transactions unless previously notified - make sure you check with yours! There are many scams such as the “Free” drink. Here you are invited to have a free drink with someone who has picked you out. After a few drinks, a large bill, the scammer has suddenly disappeared leaving you and the bill. Make sure you carry small bills and enough change - especially when purchasing items and for transportaion. Many scammers will state they don’t have change and will not refund your purchase leaving you with more money spent than necessary. While speaking of money, beware of “Fake Police”. Yes, hard to believe, but these scammers will show you fake badges and demand to see your identification often stating they are searching for illegal contraband. When you take out your wallet, they too will take your wallet. In this situation, be on the lookout for plain clothed accomplices. Stay in well lit areas and even take down their badge number to verify with the local police that they are legitimate before doing anything. Scammers are not just adults dropping gold rings in front of you and claiming it must be yours, but unfortunately, young children are often part of this circle. Children often are quick and distract us, but know they are not working along. Beware of using the ATM, and be wary when you have to push past a group. These are situations where you won’t realize what happened until it’s too late. If you are in a situation and become uncomfortable, walk away quickly and be stern with your “NO’S”. Many times the scammers don’t want attention drawn to them and this may divert them for you to quickly exit. Do not let anyone place anything on you or have you hold something - many times these are part of a scam too. Even though you are on vacation and you are a tourist; try not to look like one. Before your trip make yourself familiar with your destination and read reviews from others. This is only the tip of the iceberg. Here are some interesting posted scams that may keep your red flag flying from Rick Steves.

Wherever you go, be alert and be safe and may all your travels be only wonderful memories!

A for AwayB for BeachC for California here we comeAfter a busy summer and the teasing of Autumn in the air, take a break while the kids are back to school; rejuvenate yourself and hold onto Summer a little bit longer.Talk about taking a break ~ break for the Shorebreak Hotel at 500 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, California, 92648, United States. Shorebreak Hotel is your hip and contemporary hotel with 157 rooms and 39 suites that feature ocean views.Located just north of Newport and Laguna Beach in the original Surf City USA, where the Pacific Coast Highway meets the Huntington Beach Pier. Here you will be on the famous strand of Huntington Beach where upscale luxury meets beach casual.Begin your visit with secure underground valet parking, limousine and car rental services, complimentary wine hour, concierge services, room service, and if you chose to bring your dog, they are pet friendly with no fee. Settle into your room complete with a 37“ or 42“ flat-screen TV, an electronic safe and plug your iPod into their iPod docking station. Turn on some tunes and enjoy a drink from your honor bar with refrigerator on your balcony with a view. Enjoy your complimentary newspaper, send out your laundry and dry cleaning (iron and ironing board provided in your room), relax in the amazing bath with luxury bath products and robes in preparation to head out to the hotels restaurant and bar, Zimzala before falling into a heavenly sleep on your Serta mattress with 300-thread count Frette linens.

Zimzala restaurant is located on the second level adjacent to the Shorebreak Hotel and “is a casual vibe with some serious food located on the Strand. Zimzala features a bar, "living room" lounge, semi-exhibition kitchen, dining room, private dining room and outdoor patio spaces. The cool and comfortable space was created by noted design firm De Lisle, Philpotts & Staub Interiors.The lounge is the perfect place to relax with friends and enjoy handcrafted cocktails and lighter fare over tales of the day's beach and surfing adventures. The main dining room enjoys a glimpse of the semi-exhibition kitchen which produces California comfort food. Communal sharing is strongly encouraged by our enthusiastic servers!”After dinner be sure to take a stroll out to the private courtyard with multiple fire pits and enjoy a beautiful evening on the ocean or visit or get “stranded” at the Strand; an outdoor plaza with upscale shopping and more dining pleasures.

After you’re revived and maybe it’s time to do your daily workout in their onsite fitness center, or get your workout at Surf City USA’s greatest beachside attraction - an 8.5 mile stretch of paved boardwalk know as the Ocean Strand. The boardwalk runs parallel to the Pacific Coast Highway and the beach and stretches from Sunset Beach to Newport Beach totaling 12.5 miles. Should you decide to head inland, you can continue on the Santa Ana Trail.After all this work, take some down time at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach that sits pier-side and ocean front. The Plaza is a beautiful outdoor amphitheatre that host beachside concerts, events and is a hub for art and culture. The design is reminiscent of roman architecture with an artistic and colorful mural depicting historical events of Huntington Beach. Stone steps cut into the hillside between the Pacific Coast Highway and the sand, and here you will find yourself with a comfortable place to sit and relax or shop amongst the goods at the weekly farmer’s market and art-a-faire.Hungry? Take a walk along the Huntington Beach Pier. Here you will be at the iconic heart of the city. At 1,800 ft, Huntington Beach Pier is one of the longest municipal piers in California, and it stands as the city’s front porch to the wide open Pacific. You can fish, shop, experience the sights and sounds and eat at Ruby’s where this red roofed 1940’s style diner will make you feel like you’re sitting in the middle of the ocean. Serving breakfast, lunch and diner with their motto of: “Only the best for our guest!” With so many choices of restaurants at Huntington Beach, from Dukes that is located next to the pier serving Hawaiian, seafood and steak fare, 25 Degrees with an American fare, Cucina Alessa for some fine Italian, the Sugar Shack (known for its great breakfast), to BJ’s Restaurant & Brewery known for some great deep dish pizza, you surely won’t go hungry or thirsty in this paradise.End you perfect getaway by relaxing with a romantic evening at Huntington Harbour at 16370 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92649 with a sunset gondola through Sunset Gondola 562- 592-3295. With prices from $30 for two @ 30 minutes to $140 for two for two hours, how could one resist? Enhance your ride with add-on packages of chocolates, roses and more. Bring your own beverage, snacks and ice, cups, opener and blankets are provided for you along with your gondolier singing you a song. Before you go, keep up with all the latest with your local Huntington Beach Local Blog.So, there you have it, and unfortunately class if over, but I bet this trip will get you an A+!!!

About MeI'm Amy ~ Owner/CEO of TWIG TRAVEL & EVENTS. Creating my business was probably more fun than work due to my intense love of travel, weddings and any type of celebration . . . just some of my many obsessions."I believe in manicures. I believe in overdressing. I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick. I believe in pink. I believe laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and I believe in miracles."

My indulgences are many, but other than travel, I love creating, planning ~ be it travel or a beautiful dinner party. I hold close to my heart ~ my family, our dogs, fashion, crème brulle, quotes, writing, laughter and listening to it rain. You'll most likely find me sitting on the ocean with my toes dug in the sand in my free time just listening to the ocean waves. I hope you enjoy and become inspired of all the places to see and things to do!

Disclaimer ~ The content on this site, unless specified, is my work. I will always try to give credit and/links back to the site it was found in.